Methods and Ethics for Experiencer Research (MEER)
White Paper and Digital Humanities Project Proposal
For the Center for Anomalous and Noetic Sciences (CANS)
Daniel Rekshan - drekshan@cihs.edu
Summary
MEER is a proposed project for a collaboration with CANS to publish 1) digital humanities archives and repositories related to the ethical considerations of experiencer research and compiled in collaboration with the CANS/WISER network and 2) a white paper that will summarize findings to inform contemporary ethical research with NHI/UAP experiencers.
Mission
To inform ethical experiencer research by the delivery of collaborative digital humanities projects and services that illuminate the unique history and contemporary challenges of experiencer research, focusing on the reflection of 1990s alien abduction research on contemporary UAP/NHI research through literary figures tied to the famous 2017 New York Times article regarding UAP disclosure.
Approach
MEER is proposed as a digital humanities project and service offering based upon Daniel Rekshan’s professional web software experience including projects for the Smithsonian Institution Archives, Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies, the International Federation of Public Libraries, and University of Washington’s TASCHA Group. Web content will engage the informed public and the white paper will engage relevant professionals and scholars. Collaboration will be sought when possible.
Deliverables
Activity may unfold through several phases over one year aimed as specific deliverables.
- Digital Humanities Archive will be collaboratively compiled and will highlight ethical considerations of experiencer research specifically regarding a) PEER and its influence, b) contemporary UAP/NHI research (WISER, SOL, FREE, MUFON, etc), and c) the literary connection between 1990s alien abduction research and contemporary research.
- Oral History Repository will consist of archived and original interviews or other recordings of dialog regarding ethical research, such as from PEER, TEG, FREE, etc.
- MEER White Paper will address ethical concerns by summarizing literature review and oral histories published in earlier project phases involving topics of a) ethical experiencer research at CIHS, b) complex means of knowledge (hypnosis, false memory, psy-ops), and c) reflection of 1990s abduction research on contemporary disclosure narratives.